1. Planning and preparation
1.1 Selecting travel destinations: Which countries and cities are particularly wheelchair-friendly?
Summary: Wheelchair-friendly cities
For wheelchair users, cities such as Berlin, Barcelona and Copenhagen in Europe and New York City and Vancouver in North America are particularly accessible, with full accessibility to attractions, transportation and accommodation.
When choosing a destination, it is important to consider local accessibility. Some countries and cities have adapted to the needs of wheelchair users and offer a wide range of accessible facilities and services.
Europe is known for its wheelchair-friendly cities, in particular:
- Berlin, Germany: the German capital not only offers excellent infrastructure for wheelchair users, but also numerous accessible sights, including the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a pioneer when it comes to accessibility. Most public transportation is wheelchair accessible and many of the famous sights, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, are wheelchair accessible.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: This city is committed to being one of the most accessible cities in Europe, with wide sidewalks, wheelchair accessible cabs and many accessible museums and attractions.
North America is also a popular destination for wheelchair-accessible travel:
- New York City, USA: The city that never sleeps has made a strong commitment to accessibility. Many of the iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Central Park, are easily accessible, and most buses and train stations are wheelchair accessible.
- Vancouver, Canada: This city is known for its natural beauty and its efforts to create an inclusive environment. The city offers wheelchair accessible walking paths, accessible public transportation and accessible hotels.
Central Park in New York City offers extensive accessibility for wheelchair users thanks to well-paved paths, barrier-free entrances, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and inclusive design.
1.2 Travel insurance: important insurance considerations
Summary: the right travel insurance
When choosing travel insurance for wheelchair users, it is important that it covers special needs as well as standard benefits. Make sure that the insurance covers loss of or damage to the wheelchair, transportation of medical equipment and special medical emergencies.
Travel insurance is important for every traveler, but there are special points that should be considered for wheelchair users. When choosing a suitable insurance policy, you should make sure that it not only covers the usual benefits such as trip interruption or medical care, but also takes into account the special needs of wheelchair users.
- Cover for medical aids: Make sure that the insurance covers the loss of or damage to your wheelchair, especially when traveling by air. Replacement or repair on site should also be covered.
- Transportation of medical equipment: Check whether the insurance covers the costs of transporting or replacing medical equipment and accessories, such as batteries or chargers for power wheelchairs.
- Emergency medical care: It is important that insurance also covers specific medical emergencies that wheelchair users may experience. This could include emergency wheelchair repairs or even transportation home.
2. Transportation options
Summary: the right travel insurance
- Air travel: Register your wheelchair with the airline in good time and inform them about the battery type. Observe the regulations for lithium-ion batteries.
- Train travel: Book accessible seats and check the accessibility of train stations in advance. Use special assistance services if necessary.
- Cabs and rental cars: Ask about cabs and rental cars that are equipped to transport wheelchair users. Many cities offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which should be reserved in advance.
2.1 Air traveling
Transporting a wheelchair on an airplane requires special preparation to ensure that it arrives safely and undamaged at its destination. Here are the most important steps:
- Register with the airline: Register your wheelchair with the airline well in advance, ideally directly after booking the flight. Inform the airline about the type of wheelchair (manual or electric) and, if it is a power wheelchair, about the type of battery. Many airlines offer special forms that must be completed and submitted.
- Safety regulations for batteries: In the case of power wheelchairs, strict regulations apply to the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, as these can be classified as dangerous goods. Most airlines allow the transportation of batteries with a capacity of up to 100 Wh in hand luggage. Check with your airline about their specific guidelines and make sure that the batteries are packed safely and in accordance with the regulations.
Important documents for lithium-ion batteries: manufacturer certificates and prior registration avoid problems during aircraft transportation.
- Protecting the wheelchair: To protect your wheelchair from damage, you can take protective measures such as removing removable parts (e.g. cushions, footrests). You should stow these parts in your hand luggage if possible. Mark the wheelchair clearly with your name and contact details and inform the ground staff how to handle the wheelchair correctly. Some travelers also use special protective packaging or bags to additionally secure the wheelchair.
Our long-standing customer Ms. Heike Kanter has published an interesting report on the subject of "Relaxed flying with a wheelchair in your luggage" within the "Barrierefrei" magazine, which we are happy to recommend here: Go to "Relaxed flying with a wheelchair"
Use online information and apps to check ramps, elevators and assistance services. The "DB Bahnhof live" app, for example, provides up-to-date information on whether an elevator is working or whether the platform has step-free access.
2.3 Wheelchair-accessible rental cars and cabs
For more flexibility and comfort during your trip, it may make sense to hire a wheelchair-accessible rental car. These vehicles are specially equipped to facilitate the transportation of wheelchair users.
- Advice on rental companies: There are specialized car rental companies that offer adapted vehicles, including minivans with lifts or ramps and vehicles with hand controls. It is important to book in advance as the availability of such vehicles may be limited.
- Specifications of the vehicle: When booking, you should specify exactly what kind of adaptations you need, e.g. a lift for the wheelchair, a lowerable body or hand controls. Also check whether the vehicle has enough storage space for your luggage and medical equipment.
- How to find wheelchair accessible cabs: In many large cities, there are special cab companies that specialize in transporting wheelchair users. These cabs are usually equipped with lifting platforms or ramps and offer sufficient space for wheelchairs. You can book such services via specialized apps, websites or by phone. Examples of such services are Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) in the USA and MyTaxi in Europe.
Illustration shows: s-max sella vario. Some cabs and transport services are equipped with special aids to comfortably transport people with reduced mobility.
4. On-site: mobility and accessibility
4.1 Cities and sightseeing
Exploring a city as a wheelchair user can be an enriching experience, provided you are well prepared and know the local accessible options:
- Finding accessible attractions: Many cities offer barrier-free access to their main attractions. To ensure that you can visit these places without any problems, research in advance whether the sights have ramps, elevators and accessible toilets. Websites of the attractions themselves or special travel portals for wheelchair users often provide detailed information on accessibility.
Research tips: Websites such as Wheelmap and AccessNow list accessible places worldwide.
Illustration shows: s-max sella vario. Some cabs and transport services are equipped with special aids to comfortably transport people with reduced mobility.
Accessibility of public transportation: Using public transportation can be a cost-effective and efficient way to explore a city. Make sure that the public transportation you want to use is wheelchair accessible:
- Buses and streetcars: Many modern buses and streetcars are equipped with lifts or ramps and offer special spaces for wheelchair users. Check the maps and routes in advance to make sure your chosen route is fully accessible.
- Subways and trains: Some subway and train stations are better equipped for wheelchair users than others. Find out whether there are elevators or ramps available and whether the platforms are step-free. Many cities offer online maps or apps that have been specially developed for navigating accessible subway systems.
4.2 Wheelchair service on site
During a trip, your wheelchair may need to be serviced or repaired. It is important to know in advance where you can find these services locally:
- Repair services: Many larger cities have specialized workshops and service centers that specialize in wheelchair repair and maintenance. Some hotels or travel agencies can recommend local service providers who work quickly and reliably. In tourist areas, there are often also mobile repair services that come directly to you.
- Emergency assistance: In the event that your wheelchair breaks down on the road, it is a good idea to have the contact details of emergency assistance services to hand. Some providers offer a 24-hour emergency service that can be on site quickly in the event of a breakdown. In addition, many cities have self-help groups or local disability organizations that can offer support in an emergency.
- Obtaining spare parts: Find out in advance where you can buy spare parts for your wheelchair if they are needed. Some specialized stores or online retailers offer fast shipping, even abroad.
